Eat, Drink, Live

Posted on June 29, 2016 by Tyne & Nicole Gardiner

Red Deer is booming with must-sees and must-dos. Ride in an antique wagon at the Sunnybrook Farm Museum. Sample the best of Central Alberta’s fresh food at the Red Deer Market. Or swing by State & Main for a cold pint. From wakeup call to last call, here are some suggestions to get you started.

Stop by the Culture Services Centre to sign up for a class, participate in a workshop or admire local art inside the buildings Viewpoint Gallery, including sculptures, ceramic art and photography. While you’re there, pick up a self-guided public art tour brochure and head outside to sidover thestories behind Red Deer’s unqiue artistic displays.

Witness the city’s well-preserved history at the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery. Explore the permanent exhibit titled Remarkable Red Deer: Stories from the Heart of the Parkland. It includes a collection or artifacts, plus a train station, Capitol theatre and the city’s first commercial building. And don’t miss the many travelling exhibitions that stop by each year.

Discover Central Alberta’s Scandinavian heritage through the following sites.

Learn about famed Icelandic poet Stephen G. Stephansson, who moved to Alberta in 1889. His former home, now the Stephansson House Provincial Historic Site, gives you a glimpse into his life and work with the help of costumed interpreters.

Next stop on your Scandinavian historical adventure: the Norwegian Laft Hus Museum in Heritage Square. This unique interpretive centre is located inside a quaint log house full of artifacts to help you learn about the history and culture of Norwegian-Canadians.

Stroll through the lovely Danish Canadian National Museum & Gardens. There are seven acres of traditioinal Danish artifacts and buildings surrounded by stunning floral displays, making this an incredibly picturesque visit.

Admire the province’s incredible sports accomplishments at the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame & Museum. Learn all about your favourite teams through interactive exhibits. There’s also exciting highlights of Alberta’s sports history at the Orest Korbutt Theatre, where you can play immersive virtual sports of all kinds.

Red Deer’s oldest farm welcomes you to the Sunnybrook Farm Museum, where you can discover what life was lke for pioneer farming families in the region. Take a spin on an antique wagon, watch demonstrations of restored farm equipment and enjoy a heartwarming meet-and-greet with adorable farm animals.

Want more history? Peruse the aisles of an authentic general store at the Dickson Store Museum (www.dicksonstoremuseum.com , 403 728-8355), or stroll through the city’s past with the self-guided Downtown Heritage Walking Tour of Red Deer (download tours a www.reddeer.ca/heritage). If you set foot in Heritage Square, you’ll find a replica of Red Deer’s oldest school, the city’s oldest surviving building, and other historical goodies.

Food and Drink

Hungry? The agricultural abundance in and around Red Deer ensures the tasty, farm-fresh food is always around the corner.

On Saturdays, stock up on delicious local goods from The Market @ Red Deer (403 346-6443), where hundreds of vendors set up shop each week to share their mouth-watering products. Or head to Little Gaetz Avenue on Wednesday to take advantage of the charming Downtown Market (403 340-8696). www.redeermarket.comwww.downtownreddeer.com/downtownmarket

Tantalize your tastebuds with a traditional Indian buffet at Tandoor ‘n’ Flame(403 347-7600). If you’re craving a drink to accompany your comfort food, swing by State & Main Kitchen and Bar (403 986-8470), one of Red Deer’s trendiest watering holes. Those looking for live music should head to Arts and Culture

Stop by the Culture Services Centre to sign up for a class, participate in The Hideout Eats & Beats (403 348-5309). For a sweet tooth satisfaction, try the amazing fried ice cream from Mexican eatery Las Palmeras (403 346-8877), or swing by Babycakes Cupcakery (403 346-1224) for some detectable handmade treats.

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